บท 8: Invitation to a cruise trip

Han Corps, the next day.

"Mr. Han Zhiyuan. We will really appreciate it if Mrs. Han Xinyi can also be a part of the cruise planned next week."

Han Zhiyuan tapped his finger on the desk and was curiously looking at Mu Chuanli seated opposite him in the meeting room. He was one of the Han Corps's important clients.

He read over the project details.

Mu Chanli's company heavily focused upon construction businesses that ranged from shopping complexes, theatre multiplexes, real estate corporations, luxurious villas, and much more.

One such project that they were going to start was constructing the biggest and innovative amusement park.

Han Corps's business was streamlined in hotel chains. They had the largest spread of five-star and seven-star hotels built in luxurious and scenic spots in China, and their business also extended to all foreign countries as well.

Almost every country had at least one Han Corps five or seven-star hotel built over there.

Mu Chuanli said, "We are honored to work with you, Mr. Han Zhiyuan. Since Mu Constructions will build the biggest amusement park, it is natural that the visitors won't be able to take a complete tour of the park in just one day. So, I want to collaborate with you.

A five-star hotel built near the park will be perfect for their lodging. They won't have to stay the rest of their trip in some faraway hotel and waste their time in unnecessary traveling. My park for enjoyment and your hotel for the stay."

Mu Chuanli's assistant continued. "Since this is the biggest and the most profitable project we have undertaken until now, we have planned a cruise trip where we will gather all the companies associated with helping with this project. Since it's a joint venture and we need cooperation from many corporations, we have set up this trip prior to starting the project as a sort of get-together."

Han Zhiyuan quietly listened to their explanations and said, "I understand the project and the requirements."

Mu Chuanli nodded.

"But where does Xinyi come into this?"

Mu Chuanli's smile brightened. "Of course! I had the pleasure to work with your wife when she was the standing CEO in your place five years back. She was still rough around the edges and definitely not as skilled you or Elder Han in business, but I liked her work. She was dedicated and hardworking."

Zhiyuan raised his brow.

Since the day he took over the CEO position again, he heard nothing but praises of Xinyi. Everybody only ever showered compliments for her work.

"That young girl had a rocky start for sure, and it's hard to keep up with the load when Elder Han Huizhong himself takes charge of beating all the knowledge into you. He has his standards and expectations."

Zhiyuan nodded. Who could understand it more than him?

"But she really did it. Han Xinyi emerged flawlessly out of his hellish torture," Mu Chuanli chuckled. "It was a different experience to work with her compared to you or Elder Han. It was refreshing. It was a change of pace I never felt before, and honestly, I liked it. That's why I will be thrilled to meet her again if you could bring her to the cruise."

Zhiyuan smiled. "I see. No problem. I am sure Xinyi will have no issues with it either."

"That's great! The cruise is planned for next week. My assistant will send you all the details soon."

He nodded.

Mu Chuanli closed his file. "I guess we have discussed all the important points of this collaboration, so I won't take your further time. If there is anything else that comes to your mind for this project, please do call me. I will take my leave now."

They stood and shook hands, and the secretary escorted them out.

Zhiyuan slowly walked up to the large floor-to-ceiling glass windows and looked outside. The sunlight broke through the windows and gently kissed his side profile, making him look ethereal.

His lips curled into a soft smile, thinking of how Mu Chuanli just sang her praises now and the past Xinyi he once knew.

"You have grown so much since that day…" Zhiyuan whispered as he recalled that one time in the University when Xinyi was supposed to give a presentation.

But his thoughts got interrupted by a certain someone's loud voice.

"Yo, Zhiyuan!"

Zhiyuan didn't have to look behind to know who came barging into his office.

He turned and saw the familiar face that he knew all too well.

Xu Liang patted Zhiyuan so hard on his shoulder that any other normal person would have gotten crushed by his force. But Zhiyuan was fit and partly used to Xu Liang's 'welcome.'

Zhiyuan said, "So, you are back from Manchester."

Xu Liang fumed. "Yes, I am! I just returned from my business trip yesterday, and you didn't even call me! Is this how you treat your best friend?"

He sighed. "I am sorry. There were lots of things going on yesterday."

Xu Liang helped himself on one of the chairs and harrumphed. "I don't think so. Are you still mad at me for treating you badly in college days? Especially the time I pushed you during the basketball match? Are you still holding a grudge about that? You still won that match, okay?"

Zhiyuan rolled his eyes. "You are the only one still thinking about that. How many years has it been?"

Xu Liang grinned.

One could hardly believe that Liang, who treated Zhiyuan as his bitter enemy in the past, would have become such a great buddy with him years later.

But they had their fair share of history as well that bonded them so much.

Zhiyuan took his seat. "How are Ah Cy and Liena?"

"Yup, they are great. Ah Cy did a lot of shopping. She brought a loooooooot of stuff for everyone, so the fatigue is finally kicking in," he shook his head, "I told her to go easy, but who can ever convince my dear wife? Liena can join kindergarten with Siying tomorrow. She is too excited to reunite with her best friend. She was already hopping the moment we arrived back in Beijing."

Liang narrowed his eyes. "Remind your son to stay a little away from my lovely daughter. Distance. Distance!"

Zhiyuan's brow twitched. "Seriously, Liang. They are just kids. You are thinking too far ahead."

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